VLC Hazard Warning via Vehicle LED Light Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern transportation systems, especially autonomous vehicles, face challenges in detecting hazards due to occlusions from obstacles, which can lead to late recognition of static or moving objects, compromising safety. Existing solutions like car-2-car data exchange and LiFi-based systems have limitations in coverage and security.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing light-based data transmission via VLC/LiFi technology to detect potentially hazardous situations using environment sensors, determine collision probabilities, and transmit hazard information, including trajectory data, directly to road users, ensuring early reaction and enhanced safety without relying on network communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If environmental sensors are used to detect hazards, then detection capability is improved, but detection range is restricted by obstructions from parked vehicles or other obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light-based data transmission (VLC/LiFi) as an intermediary communication channel between vehicles and road users. Instead of relying solely on sensor detection through obstructed fields of view, the system transmits hazard information directly using light signals from vehicle LEDs, bypassing the physical obstruction problem entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical sensor detection system with a light-based communication system. Instead of using sensors to detect hazards through the environment, the system uses visible light transmission to directly communicate hazard information, substituting physical detection with optical communication.
2Reliability
If car-to-car data exchange is used to improve hazard detection, then safety is improved, but coverage is limited by communication range and infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vehicle's existing LED lighting system multi-functional by using it both for illumination/signaling and for data transmission. This universal use of the LED system eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure, allowing any vehicle to participate in the hazard warning network regardless of location or infrastructure availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own existing LED lighting infrastructure to provide communication capabilities. Instead of requiring external communication infrastructure or additional dedicated transmitters, the vehicle serves itself by repurposing its standard LED lights for both illumination and data transmission functions.
3Productivity
If WLAN or LTE-V2X communication is used for data exchange, then communication capability is improved, but security and response time are compromised compared to direct light-based transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes wireless electromagnetic communication (WLAN/LTE) with visible light communication. By using light-based transmission through LEDs and photodiodes, the system achieves both higher security (line-of-sight requirement, no electromagnetic interception) and faster response times (direct optical path without network routing delays).
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides secure, high-speed data exchange, enabling early detection and reaction to hazards, even when obstacles block the view of surrounding sensors, thereby improving road user safety by informing them of potential collisions and guiding evasive maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting the hazard information to the road user by means of light-based data transmission
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method, a computer program with instructions, and a device for providing hazard information to a road user. The invention further relates to a means of transport in which a method or a device according to the invention is used. In a first step, a potential hazard situation for the road user is detected using sensor data from the environmental sensors of the means of transport (10). In this context, a collision probability can also be determined (11). Furthermore, hazard information to be transmitted with regard to the hazard situation is determined (12). This information is then transmitted to the road user by means of light-based data transmission (13). Additionally, information can also be transmitted to other road users by means of light-based data transmission (14).The determination and transmission of hazard information may be subject to the condition that the probability of collision exceeds a threshold.